Voice disorders affect the ability to speak normally. These disorders can include laryngitis, paralyzed vocal cords, and a nerve problem that causes the vocal cords to spasm. Your voice may quiver, be hoarse, or sound strained or choppy. You may have pain or a lump in your throat when speaking.

A language disorder is an impairment that makes it hard for someone to find the right words and form clear sentences when speaking. It can also make it difficult to understand what another person says. A child may have difficulty understanding what others say, may struggle to put thoughts into words, or both. You may notice that your child’s vocabulary is very basic and the sentences are short, ungrammatical and incomplete. While his peers chat and tell jokes, your child/client may have trouble following the conversation and miss the jokes. He also may speak in two-word sentences and have trouble answering even simple questions.

Stuttering is a speech disorder characterized by repetition of sounds, syllables, or words; prolongation of sounds; and interruptions in speech known as blocks. People who stutter know what they want to say, but have difficulty saying it. Treatment includes drills and activities done in session and at home that facilitate fluent speech. Counseling is also done with patients to improve their confidence as communicators.

A medico-legal assessment is a rigorous process which helps to determine whether a person is fit to work or continue with normal daily activities after an accident. The assessment is normally requested by a lawyer following a personal injury claim or medical condition. JT Malovhele compiles both expert Audiology and Speech Pathology Medico-Legal Reports.